Following the 1982 ad slogan, Now the Excitement Really Begins, Pontiac Chief Designer Robert L. Dorn proudly proclaimed the balance of acceleration, handling and efficiency in the manufacturer brochures. The revisions made to the 1991-92 Firebirds exterior as well as improved structural rigidity and overall build-quality, hinted to the next iteration of Pontiacs venerable Firebird, but the 3rd-Gens would be missed. as a regular production option. Reportedly, three convertibles were produced by ASC (American Sunroof Company) and PAS. Previously, all 5
1,160 year), new lower body stripes, and argent headlamp pockets. Early in the year,
All cars received restyled noses loosely fashioned after "Banshee" show car as Pontiac was developing the new fourth generation platform. passengers side of engine de-cluttering the underhood area. An easy way to identify the type of cam on an LB9 car is to look at
This package was the only way to get air conditioning and
Although the last car produced in 1992 is listed as car #27, only 25
Hardtop Of the total production, 76,051 were hardtop models. At the time it was the most aerodynamic car GM ever produced. Thanks, 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. Model year production numbers for 1982 were an impressive 116,364 units, as compared to 70,899 in 1981. Each option that doesn't match can eliminate a minimum of 4% of the 7708 or 308 cars. 1st time a 4 cylinder was available in a Firebird. the standard engine. The WS6 option available on the SE's and Trans Am's included 4 wheel disc brakes,
V6 with a two-barrel Rochester carburetor and five-speed manual. 1979 S.E. 's 18 and 23 were cancelled and never built. 400 Ram Air II All models were fitted with GM Computer Command Control (an early computerized system, controlling the EFI where applicable, the carburetor and distributor). available on the regular Z28. 7,176 As has been said, very tough to determine production numbers using straight percentages. rather than `Z28' exterior badges; body colored headlight pockets rather than
The exterior differed in appearance only by `5.7
If you do not yet have a Pontiac, or just enjoy sharing information and learning about them.welcome! 1980 S.E. catalytic converters) which increased power output by 13% on cars so equipped. With direct competition for street supremacy coming from Fords venerable 5.0L Mustangs and other GM offerings like the Buick Grand National, Chevy IROC-Z Camaro and even the Corvette, the GTA quickly placed itself at the head of the pack. 1,817 The 1990 model year was only a half year of production due to
Only available on black T/As with gold accents, the Recaro package, named for its interior enhancements, was much more. redesigned. extended to the finned aluminum wheels with smooth caps and a functional spoiler. The code consists of 3 or 4 digits. Below the serial numbers had to be sure to identify the engine size. 1970 Pontiac Firebird Production Numbers. JH: Handling was a priority no matter what. With most manufacturer and magazine track tests, showing the GTA in a close heat with none-other than the Corvette; the Trans Am (GTA) indirectly removed itself from the immature and endless Mustang vs. Camaro duel, targeting the higher-end overseas competition, largely from Japan. The new mill was wielded by a five-speed manual or optional four-speed auto-trans. 12 Pontiac and Firebird are Registered Trademarks with General Motors. Still, in both 1967 and 1968, the Firebird 400 (including the Ram Air variants) outclassed the six-cylinder Firebird, with 37,937 versus 36,158 sold. Serious racers could get their paws on the 1LE fittings by ordering their bird with the G92 performance axle package (3.23s/5.7L-automatic or 3.42s with a 5.0L-five-speed), limited slip diff, engine oil cooler and free-flowing exhaust. Also marking the years significance, was the absence of a carbureted motor for the first time in the Firebirds history, with a single V6 and three V8s available, all employing EFI of one sort or another. All V6 and V8-powered birds were equipped with the Y99 Rally Tuned suspension and were draped in a new more-durable base coat/clear coat paint finish. switched to hydraulic operation on manual transmission cars. Z28 taillights with the horizontal black separator bar. 2,866 Large hood Firebird emblem disappears forever. The Trans Am was the highest performance level for the Firebird. They both sound like great cars. Only 26 Trans Ams with the 305 H.O L69 in 86. tires on the IROC-Z when equipped with the 16 inch wheels. An OHC car is less likely to have made the cut 20-30 years ago verses a V8 and especially a 400 series. 2,917 Boasting of 50-additional hp without engine modification, High Performance Pontiac Magazine, flogged a 5.7L Formula fitted with the SLP goodies and recorded a 5.7-second 0-60 sprint and 14.2-second 1/4-mile at 100mph, putting it in Corvette territory. 3,225 This was the first appearance of 16" wheels on a third generation f-body. 1973 Production Numbers 1973 Base Firebird Production 1973 Esprit Production redesigned instrument panel, yellow lettering on dash, rounded controls, etc. PontiacRegistry.com, the ALL Pontiac Club for ALL Pontiac Lovers dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of all years, models, and types of Pontiacs. Only 1,007
Lower body pinstiping on the
valance just behind the front wheels. the Corvette L98 5.7 aluminum head motor, fitted with siamesed intake runners,
The Trans Am "Power Bulge" hood discontinued in favor of new flat hood with twin
1980 Indy Pace Car Turbo 2023 February . They were compiled from reliable resources, but, even Pontiac, or GM, does not know exactly how many Firebirds were delivered to the public. console.The console includes two manually adjusted reminder wheels, a positionable map light, a removeable
G92 and J65 (rear disc brakes) no longer available on LB9 automatic IROC-Z. the tach: the lesser cams have a yellow line at 4500 and red line at 5000; the
P245/50ZR-16 tires. Van Nuys, on the other hand, used the "correct" style designation on the data plate (22887) and consequently did not imprint WS4. The first and most common was the LG4, a basic carburetor
Nineteen eighty-fourwould be the last year for the Y84 Special Edition Recaro Package. old 7.625 (7 5/8) inch rear end. Note: These production numbers are not exact. Adding Special Edition to its title, the Recaro T/A was back for another model year. The new engine gains attention but is not available with a manual
The Trans Am debuted in 1969 and had several special features that were standard. Although the 3rd-Gen Firebird was starting its decent, it still had a little after-burner left for its finale. Trans Am GTA introduced, available with the LB9 305 TPI motor
Hoglund was good with the idea, but refused to step on the Marketing Departments toes without a plan. Accessory switches get new
I,m trying to fined out if my motor is correct to the car. Mr. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). The CHMSL was moved from the spoiler to the inside
Not exactly blistering fast, but acceptable for the era. Oldsmobile Engine Color; Cutlass Production Numbers; Mopar Decoding. In following the rules of showroom stock racing as put down by the sanctioning bodies; the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and IMSA (International Motor Sports Association), GM new it had to make the race-ready goodies available on the production cars; thus in 1988, the 1LE package was born and offered on 3rd-Gen F-bodies. The SE could be had with every
Headlamp pockets on the Z28 were black. externally mounted third brake light on the hatch glass and the pre-1987
GMEFI:Working at GM through the 70s leading-up to its release what were your impressions of the 3rd-Gen F-body Firebird? The earlier Trans Am "Power Bulge" hood returns on the Formula only. Factors such as internal competition within the GM divisions set the direction of the car. The rear bumper was also reinforced but to the naked eye it is difficult to see. had new styling with a front bumper and recessed grille that was molded out of Endura rubber and painted the same color as the car to giving it a bumperless appearance. 8,692 JH: The Firebirds styling set it apart; it was more aggressive, bolder, in your face. size) on all cars equipped with a spoiler (all Z28's, IROC-Z's, spoiler optional
By the early 80s, much if not everything had changed since the 2nd-Gens initial flight in 1970. With the redesigned 1991 Firebird now even more aerodynamic and fuel efficient, the process of conversion became easier, prompting Pontiac to offer a convertible through normal channels. The next 1 or 2 numbers represent the date, and the last number is the year. G92 packages with air conditioning (C60) and without air
Early in 1989, Motor Trend ran their top speed test article, clocking in at 162mph, the Turbo T/A only lost out to the then prototype Corvette ZR-1, not yet in production. Faced with the need for more power as demanded by consumers, GM releases the new 5.7L with tuned port fuel injection. Thanks. 34 1990 1LE LB9 (305 TPI) IROC-Z's were built. The Firebird was the base model, equivelant to the Camaro Sport Coupe, the Firebird SE was a higher option level which could be loaded with more options than the Trans Am. body colored ground effects, and special GTA horn button. bumper. At least two of these test cars were sold to private individuals. Trans Am drag coefficiant is .32 but capable of .29 with standard Aero wheels over the High-Tech turbo aluminums. The only figures released as confirmed are coupe and convertible production numbers, number of Trans Ams built, and engines built (ohc figures shared with Tempest/Le Mans; Ram Air III and IV shared with Trans Am). package consisting of: The 1989 1LE special deflected disc shocks were dropped for the
There were 8,197 made. LG4 305 V-8 cars got electric cooling fan. 301 T-top 3,851 In this case, a VIN decoder can be used to gain some insight. The code consisted of a 2, designating a Pontiac engine, followed by the model year (0=1970 etc), the assembly plant code (U=Lordstown, N=Norwood, L=Los Angeles, Van Nuys), and the vehicle serial number. "Y84" Stands for Special Edition with the Fisher T-top roof. Since only 2670 350 HO automatic blocks were produced, the number of convertibles had to be much lower than the hardtops. in the convertible however. You're not going to find it broken down by color and then options (I don't think anyone has ever found a list that will do that), but you will find the number of silver Formula's built in 1999. Clutches
The Firebird remained basically unchanged. The aerodynamic developements
These 350 IROC's (being 1986's) had the
The slightly smaller non-CHMSL spoiler from 1982-1986
In addition to being 500lbs lighter, the new Firebird was the most aerodynamic production Firebird to date. 3,444 1,635 drop in weight compared to the 81 model. 180 1LE performance package option (option level 0 IROC-Z) became
G92 for 1987 required the following options: G92 (performance axle ratio) available only on IROC-Z with 5.0
Transmissions were a 4 speed manual
would realy like to share my babies with you and your members. CAMARO on front license plate panel, .5 inch lowered ride height, body colored
G80 limited slip differential became standard equipment on IROC-Z. The Berlinetta also had its own unique
Automatic
The Firebird H.O. Base birds were fitted with the FE1 suspension, T/A with F41 Rally Tuned suspension and GTA/Formula with WS6 as standard. 662 -- Trim Combination, Beechwood Leather -- 1,404. Some came with special 16x8 light alloy mesh wheels. 31 The 305 H.O L69 was discontinued because of fuel boiling problems. Sport Coupe also got the previous year's
With the coming of the 80s, a new generation would come to know and love Pontiacs prime pony car via the small screen instead of the silver one. taillights. brakes. Tying it all together was a specially programmed chip for the cars computer. The pace cars were only available with the LU5 Crossfire injected
Instead of the Camaro's dual snorkle aircleaner, the L69 Trans Am received yet another functional cold air
This engine was standard in the Formula and Trans Am. tuned runner design the 305 makes 215hp. Enjoy your Pontiac hobby at the only 24-7 Pontiac Club that brings you Pontiac News, Pontiac Information, and Pontiac Entertainment at the speed of light. 1979 400 1990 IROC's are the only IROC's with the new interior. Center high mounted stop lamps move to inside top edge of hatch. With Larson not sold on the idea or the Datsun, production exec, Harker Wade and automotive talent agent Eric Dahlquist of Vista Group Automotive, came together in the spring of 1981, soon agreeing that the new for 82 Pontiac Trans Am was perfect for the role. An optional aero ground effects package was available to T/A buyers, featuring new front/rear fascias with a larger air dam, door and rocker panel extensions and lower body graphics. is for Special Edition. Torque was increased though, from 275 to 285. Both 5.0L V8s were available, either the four-barrel with a five-speed manual/four-speed auto, or Crossfire injected V8 with four-speed auto only. GTA also receives special door panels, epoxy filled emblems,
Corvette's P255/50ZR16 arrangement. There is no production breakdown for color options. The Firestone Cup was open to multiple makes, spurring-on the family rivalry between the F-bodies and pitting the Firebird against foreign competition such as the Porsche 944 and Nissan 300ZX. 9,874 is for Limited Edition. between the top three stripes was removed. Turbo T-top All Camaro TPI motors
Special Olympics option available on Sport Coupe only as just an appearance option. 1981 305 T-top The Sport Coupe got restyled rally wheels (unique to this
On top of standard T/A fare, the GTA option included: Performance numbers according to AutoWeek Magazines Sept 1, 1986 issue, stood at 6.5-second 0-60mph and 14.7-seconds in the 1/4-mile. 210 Amos Press Inc. wheel. G92 performance packages
301 Firebird V.I.N.s through model year 1972 continued to use the applicable body style number, followed by the model year, the assembly plant code, and the vehicle serial number. Calibration refinements eliminated the cold start injector. They were compiled from reliable resources, but even Chevrolet, or GM, does not know exactly how many Camaros were delivered to the public. Returning as an option on the Formula, T/A and GTA was the 5.0L H.O. There were to be 602 (same as the number of 67
advantage) until 1990 when G92 HAD to be specified to get the better cam in the
Pontiac marketing execs split the Firebird into 5 distinct models for 1967, broken down by engine. Using the same body as the 83 pace car replicas, but with new 16" 20 slot convex aluminum wheels
*, **Note: "Y82" Stands for Special Edition with the Hurst T-top roof. Firebirds with ttops were sent to ASC for conversion to convertibles. Backing the big V-8 was the B-O-P version of the Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 three-speed automatic. Tuned Port Injection' badges rather than `Tuned Port Injection' badges. Meridian Turquoise was a relatively rare color, so it is evident the small sampling is not representative of production figures as a whole. All 89 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Ams were identically equipped with: 1350 had leather seats, the rest were with cloth Also included were Recaro leather seats, special
For instance, it is said that about 1/3 of all 1968 Firebirds were Verdoro Green. 403 Coupe and was the only year for this particular appearance. The LU5 optioned Z28's also came
Posi-traction rear axles were always standard on Trans Am models. All L98 cars now receive N10 dual cats standard. Besides making the base bird a bit more affordable (probably to move inventory) and the addition of structural enhancements and asbestos-free brake pads across the line, most of everything carried-over from 91. Only 1 of the 2 cars were kept and can be seen at shows. I have information all across this site from VIN number and Cowl tag decoding to production numbers and specifications. Newbie, would like to know where to find the PHS and to register it? Anytime you start combining option %'s, you're making guesses. plant, the original Camaro Plant. With your average Formula Firebird coming in at under $13,000, it offered great bang for the buck. 289 1991 1LE LB9 (305 TPI) Z28's were built. the automotive press late in 1986. The Borg-Warner logo
Firebird interior again meets a redesign, this time the
The brainchild of former NHRA drag racer, hot rodder and entrepreneur Ed Hamburger, the Formula Firehawk would wildly expand upon the success of SLPs performance package that debuted in 1991. The dropped Berlinetta model was replaced with the new 'LT'
Formula, T/A and GTA received redesigned taillights and a sharper-looking, notched decklid spoiler with integrated third brake light. 463 50,896 JH: Both F-bodies had received Corvette-sized wheel/tire packages and de-tuned engines prior to the 3rd-Gen, but the introduction of the 5.7L 350-cid motor into the 1987 GTA Trans Am was a definite and direct tie-in with Corvette power. Thanks, Greg. The Trans Am debuted in 1969 and had several special features that were standard. There are no members with birthdays on this day. Updated front and rear fascia with the W62 Aero package and 157-inch finned wheels were new for 84. By blind luck, however, a cargo train carrying new Trans Ams derailed between California and Arizona. L69 production stopped, leaving the LG4 as the only carburated V8 used in an F-body. Even a base Firebird could be fitted with the LG4 V8, if checked-off on the option sheet. All Firebirds got a new backlit instrument panel, revised taillight design and power pull-down rear hatch. The hood louvers on
Remaining much the same as in the previous year, the package included gold accents on the door handles, Firebird emblems, hood bulge appliqu and 15-inch Turbo finned cast-aluminum wheels, highlighting the exterior. The 5.7L was an optional engine on Formula and Trans Am with automatic only. Built by SLP, the car featured a modified L98 350 and a ZF 6-speed manual transmission. Beginning in 1968, most assembly plants resumed the practice of stamping a partial V.I.N. Sport Coupe took on the appearance of the defunct regular Z28 except for: `CAMARO'
There were 592 1991 B4C Camaros built. Drawing from its iconic history, 1987 would see Pontiac changing vowels from GT[O] to GT[A], offering an up-gunned version of its ultimate image car, the Trans Am. Trans Am's ground effects restyled as well. All these Sport Coupes were white. It simply went to the wrecking yard. decals in the lower rear corners of side windows. Mid-year, valve covers on TPI motors changed from silver to black (like
ThirdGen Firebird production reached a high-water mark in 1984, with 128,304 units sold- almost half of which were Trans Ams. built aluminum calipers and more reliable parking brake actuators. code L, data plate code BL or L). now came with rear shoulder belts. RS available in California, Texas, and Florida and with V-6 power only. 1970-78 models either had a 400 or 455 V8 as standard equipment. The GTAs standard weapon, the 5.7L, also received a handful more horses, now pumping-out 240hp/340lb-ft. As a result of the 5.7Ls prolific torque, T-Tops could no longer be ordered with this engine package. Trans Am Worldwide re-envisions the 1970 Chevelle for the modern world. standard heater) added the 1LE performance package. The new EFI-system, used a mass air flow sensor, feeding info to a computer with an electronically programmable, read-only memory chip or (EPROM). The Z28 also came with front, side, and rear lower body
Discontinued because of fuel boiling. 573 8,692 The limited edition cars featured full body
Firebird receives restyled nose with wrap-around strips known as "bumperettes" to
Dashboard design changes to a smaller sharper design because of complaints about the previous 2 years design quality and look. 10,466 Wrap around strips also on bumper. Fortunately they decided to start production of the 350 IROC in 1987. fuel tank for fuel pickup down to .5 gallon reserve to prevent fuel starvation
as the hot ticket. L98 cars no longer offered with T-Tops due to supposed torque limitations of the unibody construction, although all L98 cars before were available with T-Tops successfully. PBR brake calipers and larger brake rotors. All TPI 350
301 Turbo Someone may have really wanted a convertible and engine type was not all that important. The T/A still came standard with the 4-barrel 5.0L V8, now wielded by a five-speed manual with 3.73:1 rear axle gears. Offering less standard accoutrements than the previous year, the cost was only $1621. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. motor came with a higher lift and longer duration cam, dual snorkel intake
than having only the recessed areas painted gold or silver, was completely
In an effort to dissuade posers from ordering 1LE equipped machines (and to save weight), most every convenience feature was deleted, including the AC (C41 AC-delete) and all but the drivers seat in some cases. 72 Sport Coupe dropped, replaced by returning RS model. The base "Firebird" came with a 3.8 liter OHC 6 cylinder with 165 hp, and it retailed for $2,666 for the coupe and $2,903. (350 TPI) Z28's were built. 301 Turbo T-top and all TPI 350 Z28's (1991-1992) had automatic transmissions and most had rear disc
guests, and 6 A 1982 Z28 can be distinguished from a
Pontiac Firebird 1st generation production numbers and sales volume Pontiac model Firebird 1st generation, offered with notchback coupe, convertible body shapes between the years 1967 and 1969. Charcoal was added as a wheel accent/valance color. However, sometimes it may not be clear what a vehicle's original specifications were. rates, special jounce bumpers, 5 degrees of caster (up from 3.5 on Z28) in front
Hatched from a partnership between Pontiac and PAS (Prototype Automotive Services), the 89 Turbo T/A was basically a GTA with a nest full of optional equipment and the spooling soul of the famous (and infamous) Buick Grand National. 2,084 In 1987, the 215hp 305 TPI motor returned on the newly
year. The base 15 inch IROC wheel was restyled to have the appearance
Iron Duke, a 102hp 2.8L V6, and two 5.0L V8's. 1LE package was obtained by ordering the following: Then the 1LE performance package was installed consisting of: A new progressive throttle linkage was added to give smoother initial acceleration. 1968 = 107,112. Available only mated to the four-speed auto (because of the 5-speeds inability to handle the torque), the new mill was the first Firebird V8 to break 200-ponies since the 4.9L Turbo V8 of 81. Employing a 62-degree raked windshield, frameless rear hatch glass with compound-convex curves and a pointed beak-like front fascia with Firebird-exclusive pop-up headlights; the wind cheating wedge shape produced a miniscule (0.323 Cd), the lowest coefficient of drag in GMs test history. Shoulder belts are added in the back. The Berlinetta model was
1980 301 I know of 5 original Goldenrod Yellow '69s, one yellow '68. Also check out the store to save some money on your restoration project. Pontiac was contracted to supply four T/As to Universal Studios, two for beauty shots and two stunt cars. 30,728
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